According to the Maine Department of Public Safety, domestic violence assaults saw an increase of 4.5 percent in reported cases.

About 250 more cases were reported in 2012 than in 2011.

That year, domestic violence assault cases increased 4.6 percent.

Nicole Oliver was killed in 2007 by her husband. Oliver's best friend, Amanda Morris, organizes a walk every year in Oliver's memory.

It raises money and awareness for domestic violence. Morris said the event helps save lives.

"Introducing people to the services that are out there, I think is huge," said Morris.

Advocates said the services and awareness from events like Nicole's Run may be the reason the latest numbers show a 4.5 percent increase in reported domestic violence cases in Maine.

"We've worked with Family Crisis Services. We actually have an advocate that goes with officers to do follow-up calls," said South Portland Police Chief Edward Googins.

Experts said the numbers could also point to increased incidents of domestic violence, but they can't be sure.

But Julia Colpitts with the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence said what is certain is that stats show there are more victims, but less money to treat them. And the major reason: the federal budget cuts known as sequestration.

"It frankly amazes me that legislators and affluent business people can't be expected to stand a little bit longer in an airport line without the whole sequester being changed to accommodate them, and at the same time we're expecting victims to stand in line for lifesaving services," said Colpitts.